#usarchery

The best way to get into archery is to find a local club if you can. I'm going to assume you're in the USA, but if not there are always international clubs. I am in the US, so I am familiar with the support system here.

A little bit about me: I've been inactive for a few years due to finding other hobbies, but I am a moderately skilled indoor Olympic archer. That means that I shoot a modern Olympic-style recurve bow that is relatively high technology with a few constraints. I served as the equipment manager for my collegiate club for a few years. I tell you that because my particular discipline influences my perspective on the sport.

With that out of the way, the best resource for the US is USA Archery. It's the national organization in the US and the US representative to the Federation International de Tir a l'Arc (FITA). They charter state and local clubs across the US which generally have resources like loaner equipment, archery ranges, and clubhouses which are a must for any shooting sport. They primarily support target archery; i.e. you'll be shooting at a paper target mounted on a hay bale and shooting for a score. The level of skill in many of the clubs I've visited ranges from weekend warrior just there to have fun to state and regional champions. If you're lucky, you may even find an Olympic team member in your local club. Don't be fooled by the Olympic association though, these clubs generally support all types of bows, from traditional long bows and short bows to modern recurves and compound bows.

If that sounds too sterile for you and you're more of an outdoorsy type, the National Field Archery Association is another national org that supports "Field Archery." Instead of shooting at targets on a static range, field archery combines target shooting with walking or hiking. Targets are placed on a walking course and set up between trees and in foliage to more mimic hunting for game. Targets can be paper rings or cardboard or foam silhouettes of animals.

If you're outside the US, the link to the FITA has links to all of its affiliated national organizations, and you can find your national club there.

You'll notice that I didn't really give you any advice about finding equipment yet. That's primarily for two reasons: equipment is expensive, and a club usually has loaner equipment that you can use to try before you buy, so to speak. Even if a club requires membership before shooting, that's a lot cheaper than buying equipment and finding out you don't enjoy it.

Secondly, equipment for archery is quite personalized. Long bow and recurve bows must be sized for your particular stature and strength. Compound bows must be set up very specifically for a variety of factors. A beginner's recurve bow is usually one size fits many, but as you work your way into personal equipment, you'll want it to be perfectly matched to your preferred style of shooting and your body. Having an experienced archer and especially a club equipment manager help you with this is by far the best way to get into this sport and ensure that you spend the least money for the best experience.